1. I subscribe to the local paper and save the coupon sections each week, keeping them in neat little file folders and labeling them with the date. I don't clip anything until I'm about to use it. I also hang onto the weekly ads for stores I use frequently, but only for that week. When I get a new paper, I throw out the expired ads. Here's Maggie helping me dig through my stash of coupon inserts.
2. I check Carrie's list. She and her team match sales with store coupons and manufacturer's coupons to get the best possible deal. She also keeps track of online printable coupons, which brings me to:
3. If it's not on Pocket Your Dollars and I need it urgently, I check Target.com's printable coupon section before I leave home. I tend to go through everything they have available when I make my shopping list, and keep an eye out for coupons I regularly use. There are frequently coupons for Target's store brands, so even if you're an "I buy generic to save money" type, you can get an even better deal with a minimal amount of planning. The same is true for the grocery stores' weekly ads. Generic butter and milk are good examples of things that are almost always cheaper with the grocery store's coupon.
4. Also, if it's not on one of Carrie's lists and I need it urgently, I check her coupon database. This tells me if there is a coupon in my filing box for something that's not on sale, and if there is an online printable. If I'm not picky about brands, I can usually get a better deal than paying full price.
5. I receive mobile coupons from Target via text message. These are usually similar to what's on their printable coupon site, but without the hassle of printing. Save a tree!
6. Rainbow has a double coupon day each Wednesday and some Saturdays. They will double the value of up to 5 coupons with values up to $1, with a $25 pre-coupon purchase total, so you can save $10. They also have a lot of store coupons and weekly specials, especially in the meat department. I usually try to put my list together early enough in the week that I know whether or not it will be "worth it" to do double coupon day. When I do, I typically save around 50%. Cub doesn't double coupons, but they accept manufacturer's coupons up to 30 days after their expiration date. Cub also has online printables.
7. I try to use what I have first, and wait for a good deal on something before I buy it, unless it's a rock bottom price. I also don't buy things I don't think we'll use, just because they are cheap or free. For things we've run out of, I use the Cozi app on my phone to keep a running grocery and shopping list. When I'm shopping with Dan and he wants to make an impulse purchase, you will often hear me say, "I think I have a coupon for that at home. Put it in Cozi and I'll buy it next time."
8. Last but not least, we broke down and got RedCard debit cards from Target. They save us an additional 5% on top of whatever I've already saved us with coupons, and we never pay interest because it comes right out of our joint checking account.
Dan has a variety of tips for buying electronics, DVDs/Blu-Rays and video games, but I don't really keep up on them. I just sort of nod and smile, and if I'm wanting to get something, I ask him to keep an eye out for a good deal. If you are ever in the market for a new computer, laptop, wireless router, TV, etc. you are welcome to ask him for advice. He also does freelance home tech support for way cheaper than Geek Squad, and he gets the job done right. Just sayin'.
What do you and your family do to save money?
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